March 10, 2026, 3:15 a.m. ET

The Washington Commanders had a mostly good day on Day 1 of free agency. Well, it wasn’t actually free agency, but the opening day of the NFL’s legal negotiating period. The Commanders made one key extension, re-signed quarterback Marcus Mariota and agreed to terms with three external free agents.

Fans were upset by what seemed like a slow start to the legal negotiating period after weeks of being promised “aggressiveness” and “fireworks.” Remember, it wasn’t GM Adam Peters who promised fireworks. Instead, Washington was aggressive and was in the bidding for wide receiver Alec Pierce and center Tyler Linderbaum, until they were blown away by massive offers elsewhere. For Pierce, not only did he receive a contract making him one of the NFL’s top-10 paid receivers, but he also wanted to remain in Indianapolis.

For Linderbaum, the Raiders didn’t just reset the center market; they blew it up, giving him three years and $81 million, for an average annual value of $27 million. Creed Humphrey was the NFL’s highest-paid center previously at $18 million per year.

Now, let’s grade what Washington did do on Day 1:

Extended LT Laremy Tunsil: A+

You traded draft picks for Tunsil, and he was phenomenal last season. He is the blindside protector for your quarterback, and you have the money. Peters made sure not to allow Tunsil’s contract talk to dominate the offseason, giving him a two-year extension worth $60.02 million. Tunsil is now under contract for the next three seasons. A win for all involved.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Agreed to terms with Lions CB Amik Robertson: B-

In watching Robertson, there’s a lot to like. He is feisty and competitive, and embodies what head coach Dan Quinn always preaches. However, he’s small, giving Washington two smaller cornerbacks. His size hasn’t proven to be a detriment through six NFL seasons, as he bounces back and forth between the slot and outside. Robertson has had success against the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson. He’s a good player. This signing makes it seem like Washington is prepared to keep Mike Sainristil outside. It feels like the Commanders need to add one more veteran cornerback.

Agreed to terms with Chargers EDGE Odafe Oweh: A

This was a terrific move. He’s 27, ascending, coming off his two best seasons. Oweh is long and athletic, and perfectly uses his length against offensive tackles. He landed a four-year deal worth $100 million. I believe he’s a better player than Jaelan Phillips, who was linked to Washington and signed with the Panthers for more. Oweh has a much cleaner injury history and more sack production. This from Next Gen Stats provides hope that the best is yet to come.

Re-signed QB Marcus Mariota: A

No one will argue with this move. After Jayden Daniels missed 10 games last season, it was important to have a good backup. Mariota is more than a good backup; he may be the best. While he tested the market, he ultimately realized that Washington was the place for him, at least for one more season. Mariota is also a trusted mentor for Daniels and a respected teammate. A move that made the most sense for all parties involved.

Agreed to terms with DT Tim Settle: B+

Tim Settle was a fifth-round pick of Washington back in 2018, spending his first four seasons with the franchise. Since then, Settle played two seasons for the Buffalo Bills and two for the Houston Texans. Settle is still only 28 and has played the best football of his career in recent years. He received a three-year, $24 million deal. That seems a lot for a rotational player, so it sounds as if Settle will be a huge part of Washington’s defensive plans. Settle is outstanding against the run and can push the pocket. This is a feel-good story, seeing Settle return. But it’s more than that. Settle is a good football player. This is a move not many will talk about, as it will fly under the radar, but, overall, a good investment by the Commanders.